Eli proving to be his own Manning

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The child is father of the man.

William Wordsworth wrote that line, and other poets puzzled over it.

Now consider Eli Manning. So young. Barely past boyhood. A babe amid the snarling wolves of the NFL.

Suddenly grown up. Matured. Leading by example. Growing on a weekly basis in his chosen field. Making sound decisions, eliminating mistakes, showing patience and an ease of manner.

Here he is, the quarterback of the New York Giants, the upstart wild-card team that is all that stands between the New England Patriots and their quest for the perfect season. Here he is, the son of former NFL great quarterback Archie Manning, brother of past Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning, and here he is, the child that is father of the man.

"He has what it takes to lead his team to championships," the proud Peyton says. "I always thought that, before what's happened the last three weeks."


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